Osong Ligaw goes to Cebu

Osong Ligaw goes to Cebu!

Yup, there I was again going into “plan-less” trips with basically nothing at hand but a handful of paper bills, a plane ticket back and forth (yes, this was the only thing planned), an EZ map of Cebu, a couple of humans (one loved by God, one apathetic of God's love, and one…ugh..never mind), and an ounce of guts…This time, I met…Cebu!

Sto Nino Basilica 

Okay, Cebu, strategically speaking, has been one of the greatest tourist destinations in Asia, getting distinctions actually as it boasts historical and natural sites. An island, adorned with white sands, beautiful, friendly people, and rich literature AND history, Cebu provided a perfect haven and relaxing place for power trippers and travel enthusiasts like yours truly.

the infamous, the legendary, the notreallysobiginreallife "Magellan's Cross"

Since Mactan Island is where the airport is (yes, I don’t want to keep our eyes OFF the airport because of the unlikely “luck” my other human seemed to have,or the lack of it), I decided to check in at a random resort, “Anemone Resort”, 30-45 minutes drive from the airport through a rent-a-car guy I met at the airport. The scenery from the airport to the resort was so serene; it was very probinsya, in a very good way, of course, that made you forget everything about Manila.

Since I was jus on an overnight stay (I took the first trip and the last trip of Zest Air the following day: a smart move actually), I decided to check in at a place where I could sleep decently, head to the beach without hassle, and discover sites without getting lost.

Fortunately, Anemone resort offered everything without much of a cost. Room rates started at Php600 with out the air conditioner and Php1, 400 with the air conditioner. Despite the fact that it was rented by a Japanese diving school, the Pinoy factor remained. The resort offered jet skiing, parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and island hopping among others, but I suggest looking for a local bangkero who would offer island tours and snorkeling and local kwentos for a cheaper price. The location of the resort was also very convenient because it was almost near the mercado, and other tourist spots in Mactan.

One cannot help but be reminded of Cedie - ang Munting Prinsipe 

Although most of the historical sites are in Cebu City proper, one should not miss the machete Lapu-Lapu shrine, where a local parish church and a souvenir shop could be found. I toured the Cebu City proper for almost 4-5 hours without missing anything; awed by the San Fernan and Mandaue Bridges on my way to the Beverly Hills where the Taoist Temple, Waterfront Hotel and PAGCOR are, visited the Sto. Niño Church where Magellan’s Cross is, shopped for danggit until I dropped tired (which never happened) at the local market, saw guitar factories, University of Cebu, San Carlos University, Malacanyang sa Sugbu, and UP Cebu along the way, checked out the local Gaisano Mall, and attended the 5pm mass at Birhen sa Regla before I checked in almost two hours before our flight back to Manila.

A travelling bear cannot have too many packed bags (or packed Chivas Regal)